President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational divisions from eight to twelve in what the Presidency described as a landmark step to strengthen national security and improve military response times across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The Commander-in-Chief described the move as critical to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The expansion is backed by broader investments already approved by the administration. These include the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation across the services.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will now operate twelve divisions strategically spread across the six geopolitical zones. Existing divisions will retain their headquarters in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu, while four new divisions will be established to decentralise command.
The newly created divisions are 5 Division with headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
The Presidency said the establishment of the four new divisional headquarters will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, and enable faster military response to emerging threats. It will also strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, and enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
According to the release, the implementation will be carried out in two phases. Phase one, which covers the establishment of 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Phase two will focus on the establishment of 83 Division in Benin City and further reorganisation of units nationwide, with a completion target of December 2026. Military planners say the phased approach will allow for proper logistics, infrastructure and personnel deployment.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers for their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, motivated, and capable of guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
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